Pakistan: Accountability court sends Asif Ali Zardari on 10-day physical remand

Prior to his arrival at the court on Tuesday, a three-member team of doctors conducted a medical examination of the former president. According to the NAB sources, Zardari was found to be fit for physical remand.

Asif Ali Zardari (2L) former President and the co-chairperson of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) along with his daughter Aseefa Zardari (2R) leave the Islamabad High Court in Islamabad on June 10, 2019. - Former Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari was arrested on June 10 after his bail application was rejected in connection with a high-profile money laundering case that saw millions allegedly siphoned out of the country. (Photo by FAROOQ NAEEM / AFP)

New Delhi: A day after being arrested by Pakistan’s top anti-corruption body in fake bank accounts case, former President of the country Asif Ali Zardari, was sent on a 10-day physical remand by an accountability court in Islamabad. Zardari was produced before an accountability court on Tuesday by the National Accountability Bureau seeking his physical remand. A team of NAB, accompanied by police, including female officials had arrested him from his residence on Monday evening, hours after the Islamabad High Court had rejected his bail plea. Prior to his arrival at the court on Tuesday, a three-member team of doctors conducted a medical examination of the former president. According to the NAB sources, Zardari was found to be fit for physical remand. Zardari, 63, and his sister are two of the main accused in the money laundering scandal which utilised fake bank accounts to channel illegally gained funds out of Pakistan. According to the NAB officials, the duo made transactions of Rs 150 million through alleged fake bank accounts. The arrest warrants were issued on Sunday by the NAB, the anti-corruption watchdog, which is probing them in the fake bank accounts case. Zardari was brought to the court on Friday by a team of the accountability bureau. During the court proceedings,the NAB requested 14-day physical remand for Zardari, which was opposed by his counsel Farooq H Naek. NAB officials had requested the court for 14-day physical remand of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader. NAB prosecutor Muzaffar Abbasi informed the court that fake bank accounts were opened with the help of bank officials. Abbasi said that Zardari had been arrested and his remand was necessary for investigation. Zardari requested the court for more facilities in the NAB prison. He also requested for an attendant and medical facilities. The court has ordered Zardari to be presented before the court on June 21, Geo TV reported. At least 500 police personnel were being deployed around the federal capital for security purpose. At least 300 policemen were deployed outside the NAB headquarters, while roads leading to accountability court remained closed for all kind of traffic. The report was presented to the accountability court judge in his chambers. Zardari, the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, has denied any link with the fake accounts. He has said the allegation was part of a vilification campaign by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party to malign opposition leaders. (with inputs from agencies)